Hazelnut-crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Figs

YieldsMakes 2 sandwiches

AuthorHeather Augello, San Diego,

Time: 25 minutes. The flavors of a good a cheese plate--salty, sweet, nutty--mingle in this sandwich. We loved its hazelnut crust, and also enjoyed the sandwich just as much with ripe teleme cheese from California.

Ingredients

1/4 cup hazelnuts

1/2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves

4 freshly cut thin slices rustic white bread

1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fig spread*

4 slices port salut cheese

1 tablespoon butter

Nutrition Facts

Servings Makes 2 sandwiches

Amount Per Serving

Calories555Calories from Fat 58

% Daily Value *

Total Fat36g56%

Saturated Fat15g24%

Cholesterol85mg29%

Sodium693mg29%

Total Carbohydrate38g13%

Dietary Fiber2.9g1%

Protein20g40%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

How to Make It

Step 1

1

In a food processor, pulse hazelnuts with rosemary until finely ground (be careful not to make a paste). Pour onto a plate.

Step 2

2

Brush 1 side of each bread slice with oil and press it into nut mixture.

Step 3

3

Spread uncoated side of 2 of the slices with fig spread. Top with cheese and second bread slices, nut-crusted side out.

Step 4

4

Melt butter in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add sandwiches and cook, turning once, until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 8 minutes.

Step 5

5

*Heather Auguello likes the Dalmatia Fig Spread from Whole Foods Market; it's also available by mail order from dalmatiaimports.com.

Step 6

6

Note: Nutritional analysis is per sandwich.

Ingredients

1/4 cup hazelnuts

1/2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves

4 freshly cut thin slices rustic white bread

1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fig spread*

4 slices port salut cheese

1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Step 1

1

In a food processor, pulse hazelnuts with rosemary until finely ground (be careful not to make a paste). Pour onto a plate.

Step 2

2

Brush 1 side of each bread slice with oil and press it into nut mixture.

Step 3

3

Spread uncoated side of 2 of the slices with fig spread. Top with cheese and second bread slices, nut-crusted side out.

Step 4

4

Melt butter in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add sandwiches and cook, turning once, until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 8 minutes.

Step 5

5

*Heather Auguello likes the Dalmatia Fig Spread from Whole Foods Market; it's also available by mail order from dalmatiaimports.com.